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Articles by Jessica Bell
Making sense of the curriculum
by Jessica Bell | February 4, 2010 4:00AM
Over 60 percent of students tackle the College requirements, but few may know their origin or how they compare to the other Ivies'.
Weighing the costs of study abroad
by Jessica Bell | April 9, 2009 1:00AM
College sophomore Hillary Ross, who is studying abroad in Barcelona next semester, said while she will be conscious of how much money she spends in Spain, the economy "was never going to prevent" her from studying abroad. "I may have to take out a bigger student loan for next semester to cover spending costs," she said, adding that her parents have been supportive of her decision.
With individualized majors, a few students chart their own course
by Jessica Bell | March 26, 2009 1:00AM
College senior Eric Karlan came to Penn knowing that he wanted to study nonfiction and creative writing. And when he found out that the University does not offer a specific writing major, Karlan decided to create his own. With nearly 60 departments to choose from, it is hard to imagine that the College of Arts and Sciences doesn't offer a major for everyone.
Dollars and Sense | Financial aid remains top priority | Interactive graphic
by Jessica Bell | February 24, 2009 1:00AM
Though the state of the economy will likely increase requests for financial aid, most private colleges and universities, including Penn, are committed to maintaining their financial-aid policies and initiatives. The schools that have pledged to maintain financial-aid initiatives have been counteracting reduced budgets by pulling funds from other areas, which has resulted in firing administration and faculty members, cutting programs and freezing faculty
For student groups that help peers, privacy issues and awkward situations can arise
by Mara Wishingrad | February 23, 2009 1:00AM
Remember when you threw up last Friday? So does the guy who responded to the 911 call, and he's in your math class. Groups designed to have students help their peers provide valuable services, but also raise privacy concerns and may create uncomfortable situations.
Student with meningococcal infection released from hospital | Interactive feature
by Jessica Bell | February 20, 2009 1:00AM
The second of the three students hospitalized last week with meningococcal infection was released yesterday, according to a Student Health Service update. One of the two students hospitalized over the weekend with flu-like symptoms was also released.That leaves only two students in the hopsital of the original five that were brought in - one infection case and one who had with flu-like symptoms.
Perspective | Linking business skills and social drive | Interactive feature
by Jessica Bell | January 27, 2009 1:00AM
Seven years ago, the Penn International Business Volunteers organized three summer consulting trips to work with Non-Governmental Organizations in developing countries. Last year, the organization turned away many of the applicants for its ten consulting trips, marking an impressive growth in interest.
Gaza conflict puts Israel study abroad on hold
by Jessica Bell | January 14, 2009 1:00AM
In response to intensified conflict in the Gaza Strip, the University announced last week that it will not permit students to study abroad in Israel and the West Bank through Penn-approved exchanges this semester. Ten Penn students planned to study in Israel or Palestine this semester.
Penn admits 26 QuestBridge applicants
by Jessica Bell | December 9, 2008 1:00AM
Penn's latest effort to reach out to high-achieving students in need of economic assistance is already showing signs of success. This year, 26 students will receive full, four-year scholarships to Penn because of the University's new partnership with QuestBridge - a program that links low-income students with grants at top colleges.
Students not permitted to study abroad in Israel, the West Bank amid Gaza conflict
by Jessica Bell | December 9, 2008 1:00AM
In response to intensified conflict in the Gaza Strip, the University announced last week that it will no longer permit students to study abroad in Israel and the West Bank through Penn programs this semester. Ten Penn students planned to study in Israel or Palestine this semester.
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